Latest news with #ChrisLewis
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Laser incident targeting Detroit police helicopter prompts cross-border investigation
FILE PHOTO - A Customs and Border Patrol helicopter was struck by a laser beam while conducting operations over protests in Detroit, June 3, 2020CBPGreatLakes/X A laser pointed at a Detroit police helicopter late Monday night prompted a cross-border investigation involving Canadian authorities. Detroit police said the laser was directed at one of their aircraft units multiple times as it flew near the Detroit River. Officers believe the beam originated from the Windsor, Ont., side of the border. 'The Detroit Police Department contacted the Windsor Police Service to investigate this incident,' said Windsor Police Const. Bianca Jackson in an emailed statement. 'Our officers conducted a search of the area for a suspect and any evidence but were unable to locate anything. As a result, we are no longer investigating this matter.' Aiming a laser at an aircraft is a federal offence in both Canada and the U.S. Experts warn the consequences can be severe. 'This is a real dangerous game,' said Chris Lewis, CTV public safety analyst and former OPP commissioner. 'When you point a laser at an aircraft, you risk blinding the pilot — the aircraft, helicopter or airplane falling out of the sky, killing the people in it, maybe landing on a house and killing a family or much more. So, this is pretty dangerous stuff.' Lewis said pilots often have tools to identify the precise location the laser originated from. 'Ultimately, pilots can basically pin — like you can on a Google map on your phone — a location, so they have the exact coordinates as to where that light came from,' he said. 'That might come to somebody's backyard, for example, as opposed to somebody on downtown Ouellette (Avenue). It may come to some area that specifically allows them to then track who was there at that time.' He compared the act of pointing a laser at an aircraft to using a weapon. 'It's like pointing a rifle at an aircraft — that can have the same consequences,' Lewis said. Lewis also warned the public that this kind of behaviour can carry serious legal penalties. 'It's a good reminder to the public how dangerous this is, given that Windsor is going to have a helicopter flying regularly around the city and the area, throughout Essex County, I assume,' he said. 'So, this is dangerous stuff, and it's a criminal offense. It brings up to five years in prison, and if someone gets hurt or dies, you're looking at a heck of a lot more time than that. So, let's not do this again.' Aviation expert John Gradek, a lecturer at McGill University's School of Aviation Management said these types of incidents are becoming increasingly common. 'This is a very regular occurrence,' Gradek said. 'It's not something that happens once a year or once every couple of months. It is something that does happen, and law enforcement is really quick to respond.' He acknowledged the difficulty of finding those responsible, but noted police have tools at their disposal. 'It is a very difficult situation to investigate and to find the culprits,' he said. 'But there are tools that are used by law enforcement to be able to pinpoint where the laser was sighted and the exact physical address of the origin of that laser point. So, more often than not, they do catch the individuals that have been pointing the lasers.' No injuries were reported in this week's incident, and no suspects have been identified. -With files from CTV Windsor's Travis Fortnum and AM800's Dustin Coffman.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Ottawa jewelry store robbery latest in trend of ‘concerning' incidents, experts say
The boarded up window of an Ottawa jewelry store after a robbery on May 30, 2025. (CTV News Ottawa) A brazen daytime robbery at an Ottawa jewelry store is just the latest in series of similar concerning incidents in recent months. A video captures a stolen pickup truck ramming the front of Rafidain & Co. on Bank Street last week where four or five masked men broke through the store's front entrance before stealing items and driving off in a getaway silver SUV. Police are also investigating similar smash-and-grabs at jewellers in Place d'Orléans Shopping Centre, Bayshore Shopping Mall and Tanger Outlets. One person was arrested following the Bayshore Mall robbery but so far, few charges or arrests have been announced. 'These jewelry store robberies are getting more and more brazen and the risk to public safety is very concerning,' said CTV News public safety analyst Chris Lewis. It's something that isn't just happening in Ottawa, he says. Other similar robberies have been happening with an 'alarming frequency' across Canada, including Toronto and western provinces. 'They're concerning because the risk to public safety is increasing every time. These are happening because it's relatively low risk and relatively high gain. Jewelry is obviously worth a lot of money. These are largely controlled by organized crime,' he said. Retail analyst Bruce Winder agrees the issue has become increasingly problematic. 'This has become sort of an epidemic of crime against particularly jewelry stores,' Winder said. 'Some folks sort of run into a mall with hammers and smash and grab. Other folks are starting to use vehicles, to back into these stores.' He says stores can hire more protection through armed security guards during business hours, but admits those services are pricey. 'This isn't cheap, and you would have to build that into your prices of your jewelry,' he said. Winder also suggests using some form of parking blockades, such as bollards or posts, to keep a truck or vehicle from being able to smash through. The store manager of Raidain & Co. did not want to appear on camera but told CTV News Tuesday that the suspects were in his store for less than 30 seconds. He says after crashing the vehicle through the front, the suspects used hammers to smash through a display case. The owner of the Bank Street jeweller says that just last month, he placed large cement flower planters directly in front of the store, but it appears the suspects rammed the window at an angle. The business re-opened at noon on Tuesday. The store owner also says that customers' merchandise left for repair or appraisal is safe from the incident. The Ottawa Police Service is investigating the incident. With files from CTV News Ottawa's William Eltherington
Wales Online
29-05-2025
- Wales Online
Youngest victim injured in Liverpool parade horror revealed as nine-year-old
Youngest victim injured in Liverpool parade horror revealed as nine-year-old Over 70 people were injured after a car drove towards dozens of Liverpool supporters in the city during the Premier League trophy parade on Monday evening Police are continuing their investigations into the horror crash that left 79 people injured (Image: AP ) A nice-year-old was among those injured when a car was driven into crowds at Liverpool FC's victory parade on Monday (May 26), police have confirmed. Officers from Merseyside Police are continuing to question a suspect in connection with the incident. A 53-year-old man, from West Derby, Liverpool, remains in custody on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving and drug driving after 79 people, including four children, were injured in the collision on Water Street shortly after 6pm. On Thursday, police confirmed the age of the victims ranged from nine to 78 and said they were all understood to be British. On Wednesday, the force said seven people remained in hospital in a stable condition. Police also declined to comment on what drug the a arrested man was suspected of taking before the collision. They said: "We wouldn't go into this detail at this stage of the investigation." Police believe the car which struck pedestrians was able to follow an ambulance crew attending to someone suffering a heart attack after a road block was temporarily lifted. A force spokesman said there was a partial closure in place on Dale Street - which leads into Water Street - between North John Street and Exchange Street. Traffic was filtered down Exchange Street to stop vehicles getting onto Water Street and a flatbed truck and traffic cones were used as a barrier. Water Street leads onto The Strand, where hundreds of thousands of fans gathered to see the Liverpool team bus pass during the celebrations over their 20th Premier League victory. A Welsh dad who was celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title win in the city described the moment a car which would go on to plough into supporters "came out of nowhere" and was driving on streets that were meant to be closed. Chris Lewis, from Mountain Ash said: "We thought 'This road should be closed - what is this car doing here?' It was pretty strange and it just kept moving. "All of the sudden I had to shout to my son to move from the road because it was just carrying on driving. He wouldn't stop and so my son jumped out of the way. Chris said the car was "accelerating and breaking". You can read more about this here. Merseyside Police have until Thursday evening to question the suspect. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Article continues below A fundraising campaign set up for those affected has raised more than £30,000, including a £10,000 donation from the Jamie Carragher 23 Foundation, the former Liverpool player's charity. The Liverpool Spirit Appeal was set up by the Community Foundation for Merseyside, in partnership with Liverpool City Council, and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS), and money raised will be distributed to those experiencing physical or psychological injuries as a result of the incident, as well as to community organisations.
Wales Online
28-05-2025
- Wales Online
Welsh dad describes moment 'car came out of nowhere' during Liverpool parade
Welsh dad describes moment 'car came out of nowhere' during Liverpool parade Chris Lewis, from Mountain Ash, said the car which drove into supporters during the Liverpool parade 'would not stop' Dozens were injured after a car drove into crowds on Water Street in Liverpool shortly after the Premier League winners parade (Image: PA ) A Welsh man who was celebrating Liverpool FC's Premier League title win in the city has described the moment a car which would go on to plough into supporters "came out of nowhere" and was driving on streets that were meant to be closed. Over 50 people were injured after a car appeared drove into fans on Water Street as the trophy parade had began to wind down. A 53-year-old man from West Derby remains in custody after being arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, dangerous driving offences and driving whilst unfit through drugs. Chris Lewis, from Mountain Ash, was in Liverpool for the parade and to celebrate both his and his youngest son's birthday and was narrowly missed by the car. He was watching the parade from The Strand with his family and as the event came to an end, they started to make their way through the city centre to find a pub. "It was a pretty amazing atmosphere, so we wanted to continue the celebrations," Chris told BBC Radio Wales. However, he ended up amongst the crowds on Water Street when he saw a car "come from nowhere." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here He said: "We thought 'This road should be closed - what is this car doing here?' It was pretty strange and it just kept moving. Article continues below "All of the sudden I had to shout to my son to move from the road because it was just carrying on driving. He wouldn't stop and so my son jumped out of the way. "Everybody else was there shouting at this car, 'What are you doing? Stop'. They were banging on the car and regardless of that, he just carried on down the street." Chris said the car was "accelerating and breaking", adding, "it was pretty unbelievable." Narrowly missing the car, Chris and his family did not realise until much later what had actually happened further down Water Street. He explained: "Neither myself, nor my sons, friends could get contact with anybody. Maybe an hour or two later my wife managed to get through and speak to me and she was pretty frantic at that point because obviously she was back home hearing what had happened. She really was worried and scared for what may have happened. "It was at that point then she told us what was on the news, that we realised what had happened further on down the road. It was pretty scary - we were very lucky to be honest." Article continues below Chris added that he felt "heartbroken for those that were caught up in it." On Tuesday afternoon, Police confirmed that they believe the Ford Galaxy car was able to drive into Water Street after the road block was lifted to enable an ambulance to reach someone who was having a suspected heart attack. 11 people remain in hospital but all are in a stable condition.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Historic seaside town with England's most valuable port set for £750k revamp – including improving watersport facilities
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE stunning home of England's most valuable port is set to undergo a major waterfront revamp. Brixham Harbour will see upgrades to public walkways as well as watersport facilities. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The small fishing town of Brixham is home to England's most valuable port Credit: Alamy 3 The town is set to undergo a major revamp to its harbourside area, improving it for residents and visitors Credit: Alamy Brixham is located in the south-west of England and has an estimated population of around 16,781. The town, which is an hour drive from both Exeter and Plymouth, dates back to the Saxon period, when it first established itself as a fishing hub. By the mid-nineteenth century, the town boasted the largest shipping fleet in the country at 250. As the industry continued to expand, boatyards and fish markets set up around town and maritime-related work became the norm for the area. The port has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the landing place of William of Orange to the home for the Royal Navy during World War II. It is also the site of countless shipwrecks over the years, with local legend claiming wives of fishermen would take belongings to the beach to burn them as a way of guiding their men home. Nowadays, the harbour is a bustling hub, setting a new record in 2022 by landing £60.8 million for the year. The harbourside area is now set for a £750,000 improvement development. This includes the installation of new solar smart compacting bins that will prevent overflow and the mounting of LED festoon lighting around the harbour for increased safety. Dilapidated seating and benches will also be replaced along the seafront and seasonal feature planting, such as hanging baskets, will be added to brighten up the area. The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters Improving access and public safety around the harbour and fishing port is also an aim of this initiative. Water sports in the area will also benefits as the project will provide safe launching, landing, and mooring facilities for paddleboard and kayak users. Directional signage will also be improved to enhance visitors' experiences. And finally, the harbour railings, pillars, lamp posts and the Quay Market structure will all be touched up and repainted. Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, spoke to the BBC about the planned improvements. 'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp By Nicole Cherruault A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp. The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind". More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers. Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News. The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy. Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities. And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners. This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements. The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year. However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas. He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council. 'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre. 'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.' Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community. In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles. He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community. 'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community. 'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.' "Brixham is already a vibrant and welcoming place, and we hope the £750,000 of public realm improvements will further enhance the area for residents and visitors," he said. As well as strolling the scenic harbour, visitors to the town can also visit the small shingle beach or take a dip in the Shaolstone Seawater Pool, open from May til September. History buffs can visit one of the towns many musuems, including the Golden Hind Ship Museum, which is located in the harbour itself. Or your can enjoy the picturesque scenery including the local architecture, such as the nineteenth century cottages built overlooking the water. There are a variety of local eateries to choose from, with seafood being an expected theme in most. And you can pick from a variety of local hotels and B&Bs, beginning from £95 per night.
